PEGs, or polyethylene glycols, act as emulsifiers, binders and emollients – in other words, they improve the consistency of cosmetics and care products. However, PEGs are derived from petroleum.
Creams that contain petroleum or mineral oil-based substances do not nourish the skin, because the oils form a film on the skin but are not absorbed. The skin cannot breathe; this can lead to damage such as blemishes, dehydration and wrinkles in the longer term.
The natural protective barrier of the skin is thus significantly weakened and damage the body. And hand on heart, who wants to smear petroleum on their face.
Parabens are synthetic preservatives. They act against germs and prevent cosmetics from decomposing. The cosmetics industry uses methyl and ethyl paraben, butyl and propyl paraben, isopropyl, isobutyl, pentyl, benzyl and phenyl paraben.
Parabens can cause allergies. In addition, they are hormonally active agents and there is evidence that they are associated with poor sperm quality, testicular cancer and breast cancer.
If you want to be on the safe side, you should use products that are labeled “Without parabens” and “Without PEG”.
